Steelers' Pat Meyer Blames Broderick Jones' Struggles On Lack Of Focus

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has been a concern for several seasons. In the 2010s, the unit was among the best in the league year after year. However, as those players began to retire, Pittsburgh struggled to replace them with linemen of the same high quality. The result was a line that couldn't adequately protect Ben Roethlisberger or Kenny Pickett. 

General Manager Omar Khan recognized they had to upgrade if they were going to give any quarterback a fighting chance. The franchise spent their last two first-round selections on new offensive tackles: Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Jones spent time during 2023 learning behind Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor. He finally earned a starting spot after Head Coach Mike Tomlin benched Okorafor.  

He performed well, despite playing on the right side of the line instead of his usual left. The reported plan was to play Jones on the left and the rookie Fautanu on the right. Unfortunately, that plan couldn't come to fruition; Fautanu was injured and is out for the rest of the 2024 regular season. 

Jones' recent struggles have created numerous questions about what has changed. How could he play adequately in 2023 and then seem lost this season? There has been speculation that Jones, who only started eight games at the University of Georgia, just isn't quite up to the pro level yet, he needs time. Others speculate that a minor injury from earlier this season is still lingering. Still, others believe Jones has mentally shut down since he is not playing his preferred side. 

Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spoke with offensive line coach, Pat Meyer, on Wednesday. When asked about Jones and his current struggles, he indicated they have nothing to do with any of the suggested issues.

Jones appears to be weaker during both running and passing plays in 2024. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has given him a low score through the first eight games: 40.7 in pass blocking and 55.4 in run blocking, which gives him an overall grade of 46.6. 

Meyer's comment regarding "focus" makes sense, as many have commented on Jones' apparent distraction. Multiple videos on social media show him seeming to watch defenders run past him like he's not sure what to do. This season alone, he has caused penalties that have negated huge catches from George Pickens, including a touchdown in Week 8. The Steelers are heading into a tough gauntlet of games and will need Jones to return to at least his 2023 level of play. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Seems Unfazed By Broderick Jones' Performance Decline

There's no doubt that Jones has the size and natural talent to be a solid tackle in the NFL. The expectation was that he would elevate this season and be a solid, young mentor to Fautanu. However, that isn't what has happened at all. 

After the recent win over the New York Giants, Tomlin was asked about Jones. Tomlin downplayed the reporter's criticisms and said he is happy with Jones and his progress in the league. He said he liked the "solid trajectory of his growth and development." Tomlin did acknowledge that Jones missed some time early in the season with injuries and said that might have set him back slightly. 

Tomlin is known to be very careful with his wording and often avoids any perceived criticisms, so this isn't surprising. However, it is hard to dispute that Jones has stepped back this season. 

What do you think is going on with Jones? Click to comment below. 

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